Find a Certified Medical Practitioner for Medical Marijuana in NY

Leafy DOC can help connect you with a licensed New York medical marijuana doctor. Not only can we provide that connection, but we offer assistance and guidance to potential and current cardholders on how to apply, renew, and use their certifications in the best way. This article will guide you through that process and answer some essential questions.

Getting Your New York Medical Marijuana Card

There are five main steps to getting your New York medical cannabis card. We’ll cover what you’ll need, how to connect to an MMJ doctor, register with the state, and use your MMJ license once approved.

Step 1: What You’ll Need

A New York medical cannabis patient, must be 18 or older to visit a medical marijuana dispensary. Only those who can prove New York state residency can apply for a patient id number and a license for the medical marijuana program (valid state-issued driver’s license, Government ID).

A New York resident must also have medical history showing a diagnosis that qualifies a doctor to recommend them as a patient that can legally obtain medical marijuana products.

Step 2: Connect to Medical Marijuana Doctors in NY

You’ll need a physician or nurse practitioner certification under thirty days old. The healthcare provider must submit it on behalf of the qualifying patient. You can schedule your evaluation from the comfort and convenience of your home. 

Submit an intake form with personal details and a summary of your medical records; then, Leafy DOC will help you book an on-demand telehealth appointment or schedule a convenient time for later. An online recommendation with Leafy DOC is available at a competitive price for new patients and renewals in New York. If you are not approved, there is a money-back guarantee.

Connect with a licensed medical marijuana doctor in minutes and easily chat with your provider on a smartphone, computer, or tablet via phone call or video. Our licensed physician determines your qualifying condition, addresses your questions and concerns, and provides the physician certification form if they choose to prescribe medical marijuana.

Step 3: Register with the New York Department of Health

Log in to the New York Department of Health website at https://my.ny.gov/ and register as a patient using your medical marijuana certification from Leafy DOC and the required documents.

New York has recently waived the medical cannabis card application fee. Before 2020, it used to be 50 USD annually. After the state approves medical marijuana treatment, the patient will receive a temporary ID card while the state prepares the permanent medical card.

Step 4: Receive Your Medical Marijuana License

After the New York Department of Health approves your registration within thirty days, they will email you a downloadable patient I.D. card you can print. Once you have the MMJ card, you can visit New York dispensaries and purchase medicinal cannabis products.

Step 5: Visit a Licensed Medical Cannabis Dispensary

There are various options for medical cannabis products offered at New York’s licensed dispensaries, including the following:

• Dried flower
•  Pre-rolls
•  Edibles
•  Topical creams, gels, rubs, balms
•  Tinctures
•  Concentrates
•  Vape cartridges

FAQs- New York MMJ

Let’s answer some top questions from potential and current MMJ cardholders.

What are the Qualifying Conditions in New York?

A medical marijuana patient with the following qualifying conditions can apply for the New York medical marijuana program:

• Acute pain management
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Epilepsy
• HIV/AIDS
• Huntington’s Disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neuropathies
• Opioid substitution
• Spinal Cord Injury
•  In a physician’s professional judgment, any other chronic medical condition that may be alleviated by medical marijuana treatment can be included, especially when prescription medications have not been working.

What are some of the top MMJ doctors in New York?

• Leafy DOC
• Cannabis MD
• 420 Evaluations
• Medical Marijuana Card Doctors NY
• Cannabis Doctors of NY

Who can certify a qualifying patient for medical marijuana in New York?

In New York, healthcare providers must be certified as registered practitioners who have completed the required training and are registered with the medical cannabis program to recommend medical marijuana use.

How much Medical cannabis can I purchase?

As of January 2022, registered medical marijuana patients can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of dried cannabis flower every fourteen days if recommended by a qualified medical cannabis doctor.  

Can a medical marijuana patient grow cannabis?

Yes. Adults can grow up to six New York medical cannabis plants per person or twelve per residence. No more than six mature plants can be cultivated at a time. You could face up to a year in jail and a 1000 USD fine if found.

How long do Cards for Medical Marijuana Treatment last?

In New York, medical cannabis cards are valid for one year from the date they are issued. Patients who wish to continue using medical cannabis must renew their card annually by submitting a renewal application to the New York State Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program.

The renewal application requires patients to provide updated information about their qualifying medical condition and certify that they are still under the care of a registered practitioner authorized to recommend medical cannabis. Once the renewal application is approved, patients can continue to purchase medical cannabis from a licensed dispensary in the state.

Can a medical marijuana patient have a caregiver?

Yes. Per the New York Department of Health, a designated caregiver is an adult over 21 who can legally purchase, transport, educate, and administer medical cannabis to patients with a valid medical card.

Over thirty states have legalized medical marijuana programs, allowing primary caregivers to assist qualified patients and purchase marijuana-infused products for their patients. In these locations, state legislation protects the patient and the caregiver from criminal penalties because medical marijuana offers relief for their patients. When qualified patients apply for their MMJ card from the Office of Cannabis Management, they may designate up to five caregivers to assist in purchasing and administering medical treatment.

According to New York Medical Marijuana Laws, to become a caregiver, the requirements are:

• Must be at least 21 years old 
• Must be a resident of New York State and have a valid New York State-issued driver’s license or a New York State identification card
• It cannot be the patient’s certifying physician.

How long will it take to get my MMJ card?

The initial medical marijuana appointment with a licensed physician usually takes 15-20 minutes. Reviewing the license application takes the Department of Health up to thirty days. Then, you can print your card from the application portal immediately. The permanent card will be mailed seven to ten days after approval.

What types of cannabis products can I purchase?

Qualified patients with a medical cannabis card can find various products at licensed dispensaries in New York. Marijuana-infused products include dried buds, edibles, vaporizers, pre-rolls, concentrates, tinctures, and topicals.